Max Verstappen reveals ‘super sensitive’ reason behind silence over Saudi Arabian GP penalty

Max Verstappen indirectly slammed the FIA for being sensitive over criticism following the Saudi Arabian GP penalty saga.

Max Verstappen reveals ‘super sensitive’ reason behind silence over Saudi Arabian GP penalty

Max Verstappen and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via PlanetF1)

Max Verstappen has managed to keep up with performances in an inferior Red Bull chassis compared to the rivals. The Dutchman impressively achieved the pole position at the Saudi Arabian GP following a late-qualifying crash from Lando Norris. Moreover, the 27-year-old had a great chance of achieving the race win if it wasn’t for the lap-one penalty due to going off track and gaining an advantage. Due to the penalty, Verstappen could only finish P2 behind Oscar Piastri and was extremely distraught.

Following the culmination of the race, Max Verstappen didn’t hold back from showcasing his discontent with the situation during media activities. The Dutchman kept his answers short and blunt in order to avoid being penalized for criticizing the FIA. Verstappen, who is already not in the good books of the governing body, did not want to face even more issues on top of the team’s performance struggles.

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Max Verstappen pointed out that it was better not to speak up much on the status quo. The Dutchman funnily highlighted that he saved his own time by not commenting on the matter. The 27-year-old didn’t hesitate to claim that everyone has become super ‘sensitive’ regarding any problems on the grid. Verstappen further alluded to the FIA’s recent crackdown on criticism and reckoned that it was in his best interest to talk less.

Honestly, it’s better if I don’t say too much. It also saves my time because we already have to do so much. It’s honestly just how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything. And what we have currently, we cannot be critical anyway. So less talking – even better for me.

Max Verstappen told PlanetF1

The FIA wasn’t the only one who would take offense to the comments, as pointed out by Verstappen. The Dutchman explained that the people on social media would twist his words and create a different narrative. Additionally, people could also interpret the comments in a completely separate manner and further take offense. As such, the reigning world champion believed that it was better not to speak up on the matter to save untoward struggles later.

I prefer not to talk a lot because sometimes your words can be twisted or people interpret it in a different way. It’s honestly better not to say too much. So that’s what I’m trying to do.

Max Verstappen added

Max Verstappen claims FIA ‘cannot handle’ the full truth

The FIA has continued to receive massive backlash regarding multiple controversial rulings in the previous races. The governing body has clearly mentioned that they do not appreciate criticism disguised in other forms of negativity. This meant that Max Verstappen couldn’t share his point of view on the matter as he risked being penalized by the stewards. Now, the 27-year-old has further taken an indirect hit at the FIA for not being open to criticism.

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Max Verstappen reckoned that the world had become too soft for everyone to speak their piece of mind. The 27-year-old added that his opinion wasn’t appreciated by everyone, especially the FIA, due to their previous penalties on the matter. In addition to this, the Dutchman highlighted that people couldn’t handle the entire truth, indirectly hinting towards the FIA.

Like I said before, it’s just the world we live in. You can’t share your opinion because it’s not appreciated apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth.

Max Verstappen noted

The elections for electing the FIA President for the upcoming tenure are supposed to be held later this year. Mohammed Ben Sulayem must ensure that the governing body undergoes a massive transformation before the elections in order to retain his leadership. F1 Academy President Susie Wolff is currently the prime candidate to replace Ben Sulayem if the situation does not improve for the body. Verstappen will still remain unfazed by the changes, but hope for better conditions and a true freedom of speech for the drivers in the coming years.